SOUTHWICK: Karen Strycharz (1950 – 2022) was born in 1950 in Ware, MA to Frank and Adele Kusek. After graduating from Ware High School, she became a nurse and obtained her RN from Baystate School of Nursing in the 80’s. Much of her career was spent working at long-term rehabilitation and nursing homes. Karen was driven to provide personal care and attention to her patients. Very often families of elderly patients would thank her for the kindness she showed their loved ones. Karen passed peacefully at home after a two-year recurrent battle with cancer in the presence of her devoted husband of 38 years, James Strycharz. After surviving her first diagnosis of breast cancer, Karen gained a new lease on life and was more grateful than ever for each day. She led a quiet but fulfilling life spending much of her time enjoying nature walks, knitting and reading. Before her second cancer diagnosis, Karen made two trips, one to New Orleans and one to Alaska, achieving a personal dream of hers.
Karen raised two children, Jeffery Staiti and Heather Lynn Strycharz. She was always quick to tell friends how proud she was of their achievements. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Isabella and Dylan Staiti and James Paul and Evelyn Petersen, who in her later years became the brightest lights in her world.
Karen’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Mercy Caritas Center and Baystate Hospice services and especially her many and generous friends and neighbors for their support.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 2:30 PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. A visiting hour will precede the service from 1-2:30 PM. The family requests a donation to Baystate Hospice services instead of flowers. www.firtionadams.com
